7 Video Game and Hardware Predictions for E3 2016

The world’s biggest gaming expo, E3, is upon us, and if there’s going to be any massive game announcements, hardware reveals, and show-stopping updates in the gaming world, that’s where it’s going to happen. We make our picks for the most likely predictions of what to expect at E3 2016:

New Assassin’s Creed

Ubisoft have previously said that there won’t be a new entry into the Assassin’s Creed franchise in 2016, but we’re calling their bluff. With the big-screen Assassin’s Creed movie starring Michael Fassbender hitting cinemas in December, it would only make sense for Ubisoft to announce a new game at E3, and release it in Q3/Q4 alongside the hype around the film adaptation.

4K consoles

It’s pretty guaranteed that some new iterations of Sony and Microsoft’s current-gen consoles will show up. Based on history, it’s almost certain that slim versions of the PS4 and Xbox One will be unveiled, but whether they’ll be able to output 4K resolution is the real question. Whether Sony and Microsoft will want to cannibalise their own PS4 and Xbox One sales respectively with new UHD consoles is up for debate, but the two companies have put their cards on the table with their strong interest in the technologies.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rumours of a sequel to Red Dead Redemption have been swirling like a tumbleweed since an alleged map of the game leaked out in April this year, however – that’s anything but proof. However, it is extremely likely that Rockstar have been working hard on the open-world Western follow-up since work on Grand Theft Auto 5 wrapped. It’s speculated that the game will be a prequel to the first, but its anyone’s guess what the award-winning developer is cooking up.

Watch Dogs 2

It’s no secret that Ubisoft’s hack-’em-up action game, Watch Dogs, is set to be a multi-game franchise for the studio, and E3 could be the moment for Ubisoft to show off the highly-anticipated sequel. Ubisoft Montreal vice president of creative Lionel Raynaud accidentally admitted that Watch Dogs 2 would deliver on the promises of the first game, confirming that a follow-up was in the works. No one knows if Watch Dogs‘ original protagonist Aiden Pierce will be returning or a new hero will step into the limelight, but all we know is that there’s more car-chases, hacking, and gunfights to come.

New console from Nintendo

Nintendo is currently working on creating a brand-new home console — Nintendo NX. And there is a possibility for us to take a closer look at the console in June, at the E3 2016 convention. Nintendo shared the news about its latest console almost a year ago, in March 2015. During the last ten months, the company has told us practically nothing about the upcoming premiere. The only thing we know is that Nintendo has developed some brand-new concept for the console and that the company will not share any specifics until its close to the final release of Nintendo NX.

God of War 4

The God of War series has been absent since the release of the prequel, God of War: Ascension, in 2013, but with the recent leaks of alleged God of War 4 artwork, it’s likely that more god-killing action is heading our way at E3. If the images which slipped out are anything to go by, series anti-hero Kratos will be returning, along with a beard and new array of Norse weaponry. We hope that Sony Santa Monica are cooking up something special for fans of the franchise.

Resident Evil 7

The Resident Evil series has had some ups and downs in recent years, with Resident Evil 5 and 6 introducing a whole new generation of gamers to the genre, but isolating many long-time fans with the focus shifting away from the horror and suspenseful atmosphere. According to Capcom, Resident Evil 7 will return to the franchise to its roots, and E3 would be the ideal platform to showcase the new entry. Capcom is known to be tight-lipped on its E3 plans, but its highly probable that the company’s veteran zombie game will be reignited at this year’s show.

With the current line-up, E3 2016 is setting the tone for a very exciting year for gamers. We’re expecting a lot, but we’re confident that developers will continue to surprise us with new innovations and ideas.

Tell us, what are you expecting from E3 2016? Leave a comment below and Tweet us @MenStuffZA!